S6                                  U.S. MARJNES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


                                       Department of Defense Photo (US MC) 0300 20 91
Marine tankers maneuver their M&)Al tanks, leading the advance into Kuwait. These
men are Reservists of the 8th Tank Battalion.

encountered several Iraqi tanks and armored personnel carriers soon after
crossing the line. The platoon quickly destroyed seven tanks and four of the
APCs, all the while continuing the momentum of the attack. When smoke and
fog reduced visibility to only 200 meters, enemy targets had to be engaged at
close range. Nevertheless, Chief Warrant Officer Paxton continued to press his
platoon forward, destroying another six tanks and two ZSU 23-4 antiaircraft
guns before consolidating his own defense for the night.192
    In their attack toward the "ice-tray," the lead battalions were often able to
by-pass Iraqi units, leaving them to the reserve battalion.1~ It was a different
matter within the "ice-tray" itself. This feature covered more than eight square
kilometers.  Here the buildings and bunkers had to be cleared individually and
methodically. Resistance by the Iraqis was overcome, as the regiment fought its
way north. But the work of clearing the "ice-tray" continued until 0430 on the
26th, G plus 2.'~
    On the division's right, the 8th Marines moved forward to the smaller
"ice-cube." This built-up area was approximately one square kilometer in size,
and was situated to the east of the northernmost portion of the "ice-tray.
Colonel Schmidt had assigned the task of securing the "ice-cube" to the 2d
Battalion, 4th Marines. This battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Kevin
A.  Conry, was tied in with the 6th Marines on its left. Its progress was
therefore slowed as the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, fought its way up the much
longer area of the "ice-tray." At the same time, the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines,
was  moving forward as the division's easternmost battalion, with the 3d
Battalion, 23d Marines, coming on as the 8th Marines' reserve.l9S
    The Tiger Brigade, on the division's left, had begun its assault at 1318. As
earlier in the day, it encountered bunkers and dug-in tanks. At 1536, in spite
of the enemy's opposition, and with visibility reduced by smoke to between 200